Marriott could earn his first start at Morecambe

Mike Simmonds

Town striker Jack Marriott could well be thrown his full League Two debut for the Hatters League Two trip to Morecambe this evening.

The 21-year-old proved to be Luton’s match-winner at the weekend, coming off the bench to score twice in the 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon.

“He’s got a bit of Craig (Mackail-Smith) in him, there’s no lost causes and although he’s a forward, he’s happy to do his share of work.”

John Still

On whether he could be used from the start tonight, Still said: “Is he in line to start a game? Of course he is, absolutely. When we talk about the team, we’ll decide then.

“He’s coming on well Jack, whenever he’s involved, he looks a threat and he’s got that, I don’t know what the word is, but whatever it is, the crowd like it.

“He’s got a bit of Craig (Mackail-Smith) in him, there’s no lost causes and although he’s a forward, he’s happy to do his share of work.

“He plays with that up and at them attitude, and I think that supporters are happy to see players play with that feeling that they’re not going to give up and that’s good.

“We’ve been pleased with Jack since day one. He’s done okay in development games, the work we’re doing with him, he’s definitely learning and picking up.

“It was always our intention to bring him on with half an hour to go, as we want to start to get him match time and he’s not doing himself any harm at all.”

Although Marriott’s brace against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday was enough to propel him to the top of the Town’s scoring charts with four goals, Still was wary of putting too much pressure on the youngster.

He continued: “We don’t want to rush him, we’ve found enough forwards in my life to know how to keep them grounded, how to educate them, how to give them the best opportunity to progress their careers.

“Jack falls into that category. Is he ready to start? Maybe, but he’s still learning, but it’s important the expectation on him doesn’t outgrow where he is.

“We do know Jack has goals in him, he’s one of those players.”

Marriott himself admitted that whatever decision Still makes he will take in his stride, adding: “If he doesn’t think I’m ready for a start then I’ll continue to work hard, keep doing what I’m doing, and hopefully that will come.”